CULTIVATION. 151 



looked for in results that are dependent on Nature. This, 

 however, does not alter the rules laid down on the basis 

 of prolonged experience, and it would be altogether unjusti- 

 fiable to regard these rules as problematical on account of 

 the above-mentioned circumstances. Nevertheless, should 

 it be urged as an objection against the said rules that 

 cutting performed on lines laid down by old practitioners 

 is very successful locally, the reply may be made- that the 

 rules, as given, are deduced from local methods, and are in 

 fact neither more nor less than a collection of practical 

 experiences, varied because gained in different locahties. 



It will readily.be admitted that such precision in cutting 

 takes a deal of time to perform, and that few growers, let 

 alone paid labourers, take the proper amount of care over 

 it. Our object now is, however, not so much compulsory 

 reform as a thoroughgoing introduction to, a,nd elucidation 

 of the subject. He who is contented with old custom may 

 abide by it, but whoever strives after improvement will 

 certainly find here several useful indications. So far as 

 the time occupied is concerned, this applies solely to 

 beginners, who have to acquire the necessary skill in cut- 

 ting, whereas practised workers will find no difficulty in 

 following the rules already given, and therefore will not 

 require to take longer than usual over the work. (This 

 Zelinka confirms from his own lengthy, practical experience 

 in cutting hops.) 



As a supplementary, practical hint, it may- be mentioned 

 that to employ a separate set of labourers to uipcover and 

 open the hop stocks immediately before proceeding with 

 the cutting is inadvisable, although this course has been 

 recommended in one work on the subject. The reason is 

 that such labourers cannot appreciate certain irregularities 

 and defects in the performance of their task (wounding the 

 roots and stems, imperfectly uncovering the stocks, etc.) 



